Shannon Geisen, Park Rapids Enterprise Journalist Profile

Articles

What small Minnesota town is candy-coated with sculptures, murals and movie magic?

1 week ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Alex Haddon |Robin Fish |Shannon Geisen

PARK RAPIDS, Minn. — Park Rapids is the gateway to miles of lakes and pine forests, but travelers might want to take a long pit stop in the small town because its downtown has some unique charm, starting with its old-fashioned sparkle. The most striking downtown feature is the bright red, retro sign of Park Theater. In the evenings, its flashing lights can be seen all the way across the river from Heartland Park.
Menahga's fallen veterans saluted on Memorial Day

1 week ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Shannon Geisen

Brice Niska embraced his aunts, Joanie Nason and Jeanne Bjornson, as they laid a wreath in honor of his late father Steve Liimatta. Liimatta served in Vietnam and was active in the Menahga VFW Post for years. He served several terms as commander there as well as at the Wolf Lake VFW. Liimatta passed away in July 2024. He was among the five local veterans recognized during Menahga’s Memorial Day program on Monday, May 26.
Engineering is next step for Farden Township industrial park

1 week ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Shannon Geisen

Farden Township residents expressed concerns about a proposed industrial park, near Farris Park. RFP for Farden Township Industrial Development by Shannon Geisen on Scribd They spoke directly to the Hubbard County Economic Development-Housing Redevelopment Authority’s (EDA-HRA) on Tuesday, May 20.
Park Rapids celebrates class of 2025

1 week ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Shannon Geisen

Park Rapids Area High School (PRAHS) seniors urged fellow classmates to embrace change as they embark on new adventures. The class of 2025, totaling 124 graduates, accepted their diplomas on Sunday, May 25. Co-valedictorian Aiden Maanum thanked parents, teachers and family for their caring support. “High school has taught us skills that we can use to overcome whatever life throws at us.
Five-year-old peddles patriotic bracelets for Honor Flight

1 week ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Shannon Geisen

Larkin Hafner, 5, combines his love for Taylor Swift and a challenge to help veterans into a successful fundraiser. The avid Swiftie makes bracelets, then sells them for $2 each. All proceeds go toward the Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN (VHF). “He loves it,” said dad Mike John Hafner, a 1996 Park Rapids High School graduate. Mike recently retired from the U.S. Army as a sergeant first class.
Nearly 100 participants in Memorial 5K

2 weeks ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Shannon Geisen

The first annual Memorial 5K Run, Walk and Ruck attracted about 98 people. The course was marked with small American flags. Race proceeds will be donated to local Disabled American Veterans Chapter 38 and the All Veterans Memorial. Hammer Fit Gym organized the event. In the race packet, they included a letter. It said, “As a veteran-owned gym, we understand the sacrifices and commitment of American veterans and their families.
Knutson appointed county auditor-treasurer

2 weeks ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Shannon Geisen

The Hubbard County Board appointed Marie Knutson as county auditor-treasurer. She began the full-time position on May 12, but took the oath of office at the Tuesday, May 20 board meeting. In other business, the board did this:Accepted the low bid of $114,791 from Anderson Brothers LLC of Brainerd for street improvements in Nevis. According to County Highway Engineer Andrea Weleski, the city is planning a street improvement project in conjunction with the county's CSAH 13 project.
Menahga first graders experience a day on a dairy farm

2 weeks ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Shannon Geisen

A tradition begun in 2013 continued on Monday, May 19. The Spadgenskes have been giving tours of their dairy farm to Menahga first graders for these 12 years. Twin brothers, Mike and Mark Spadgenske, along with Mark’s wife, Kristine, started the farm in 1994. “We do tours, in general. We always say ‘yeah’ if anybody wants to come out,” Kristine said. “We’ve hosted legislators, older kids.
Menahga seniors witness courtroom action

2 weeks ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Shannon Geisen

Randy Thompson’s business and personal law class experienced over 25 criminal cases on Monday morning, May 19 at the Hubbard County Courthouse. The Menahga High School (MHS) teacher described the day as “incredibly impactful.” “We had studied court proceedings and had done mock trials, so it was a perfect capstone to the course,” Thompson said. "I reached out through the Hubbard County website, and Court Administrator Casissa Scholz set everything up for us with an amazing experience.
Menahga parents advocate for coach put on paid leave

2 weeks ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Shannon Geisen

Parents of Menahga athletes arrived en masse in support of beleaguered coaches. Menahga School Board chair Andrea Haverinen set a 10-minute limit on the public forum portion of the Monday, May 19 meeting. Dusty Bakke, a parent of two Menahga High School athletes, reported that varsity baseball coach Kris Koll was asked to take a paid leave of absence. “There have been accusations made since our wrestling season has ended,” Bakke said.